Beauty in Red

They do not want to be anybody else. They are not perfect but they are worthy. They are not presidential but they are potential. And of course, they do pass their tests and they are, indeed, one of the best. Who says these ladies caught in red would not give beauty and glory to Lualhati? Who says that they are not born this way? They may not be beauty queens but they are the Lady Warriors who undeniably penetrated the limelight in the sports scene Shining Shuttlers After a Cinderella-like ride, the Lady Shuttlers proved that no blue-blooded cager can turn them down in the Final. Smart and well-experienced, veterans Fatima Cruz, May Pamorada, Rochelle Andres, Nicole Semilla, Kimberly Gatpolintan, and Bianca Reytas established a cohesive impression as they were able to knock down their opponents expectations on them being underdogs. Former badminton MVP Raquel Guerrero who played her last UAAP year on season 72 (also a Finals game) rejoices for her teammates achievement over their foes. Im very proud of my teammates! I know theyre all very talented and Im happy they overcame the notions that theyre underdogs and that they cannot beat strong teams such as DLSU. I really wish I could be a part of bringing pride to the school. Either way, I am happy for my coach and for my teammates who their hearts into winning, said Guerrero. Aside from badminton, like any other student, they too enjoy some of their leisure time by spending it either at the mall to watch movies, eat at restaurants, hang out for drinks or simply stay at home with their family or friends. Close friends Rochelle and Kim treat each other well on or off court. Together with Ramon Lorenzo Guerrero and Jose Luis Gomez of the mens team, these cagers get to hang out more often since theyre of the same year and course. Despite of their dedicative efforts and hard work on court, these ladies remain as students at the end of the day. Locals Nicole and May admit that they face challenges not only on court but also with their classes too. I admit its really hard being a student and a player. Loads of discipline and determination are needed to balance your time for studies and playing, Nicole shared.

On the other hand, Fatima who started playing badminton at a young age of six learned to manage her time to play and study despite of the hectic schedules demanded by her course in Management as well as with her sport. Pagkabigay pa lang ng prof, ginagawa ko na agad para wala ng intindihin. Ever since buhay ko na talaga ang badminton, said Fatima, now on her final playing year. May it be on a game or personal issue, Rochelle considers that if one falls, she should stand and keep moving forward. Likewise, May believes that life is simple and that people should always think positive and have faith in God. Amazons Chiefs Seeing life with a healthy perspective in mind as a student, a Warrior and as a woman, Anna Floralde and Cindy Resultay maintain a positive outlook with their situations despite of hardships on court and overcoming lifes battle. Both serving Lualhati as team captains, Cindy gained the limelight through her reliable performance on court after Anna was given the opportunity to lead the ladies basketball this season under new mentor Eleanor Chuas leadership. In spite of the pressure, these ladies take time to enjoy their titles as they are given the authority over their teammates. Cindy always reminds her teammates not to quit no matter how hard or disheartening the game seems to be. According to Cindy, Dont quit. In every moment of my life, I face different struggles that I know I should surpass. I keep praying, believing to our God. Even in a game, I never quit. We fight til the end without quitting. Far from our young knowledge, the dominating Cindy is a soft-hearted lady when it comes to her family and with her favorite nephew. Anna, a 4th year Management student, reckons that during the season she values thinking before reacting over something. Despite of her own flaws and mistakes, she feels blessed to have teammates Cecilia Junsay and Dianne Ventura who understand her completely. For Anna, being a student as well as an athlete is not that easy. Cindy agrees with this as she considered doing both tasks an extraordinary activity because not everyone may do every student-athlete are surpassing, their games and exams. You just have to balance everything. During morning, I have trainings and after that I study. If theres still time left to enjoy, I just have a little fun, Anna stated.

Junior Princesses Believing that education is mightier than with victories gained on their sport, Palaro Pambansa trio Jaezl May Ingeniero, Lyr Leyva, Donna Gamilla proved critics wrong as they strive not only to strengthen their table tennis strategies but also to finish their schooling with satisfactory honors. Reigning UAAP champions, these girls chose to prioritize their studies first than anything else. Lyr considers that it is really possible to balance ones time to study and play for the school when one knows her priorities. Also, Donna believes that nothing is impossible once you believe in God. I always concentrate in my studies. I want to be an honor student. I want to prove to others that not all athletes are not good in academics, said Donna. Classmates since grade one, Donna and Lyr have become best friends as they not only take pleasure with each others company but also they lend a hand to each other in times needed. Former common foes during their elementary varsity years, Jaezl joined the group as she found belongingness and sisterhood with her teammates. We almost do everything together. We enjoy each others company and we help each other in enhancing our skills, shared Jaezl, top 13 of the seniors cream section. During off season, these juniors take time to go out for a snack or stroll around the mall. Though practices are still ongoing, they enjoy their trainings since they get the chance to know each other deeper. Young they may be, this trio assures to give their best in every game and examination they engage to bring pride not only to the University but also to their parents.

Monique Ann A. Tiongco is the Sports Editor of The Dawn, the Official Weekly Publication of the University of the East, and enjoys not only sports but as well as her accounting studies at the University. For inquiries and concerns, like UE Dawn Sports on Facebook and follow me on twitter @UEDawnSports. See you at the ball games!